Automated Britain event attracts cross-party support

Policy makers across government and industry, as well as politicians from all parties, are supporting the Automated Britain conference, being staged by GAMBICA and Intellect.

The event, which takes place at the Commonwealth Club in London on March 6 and is aimed at promoting automation as a key factor in growing the UK economy, starts with a keynote from Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Enterprise.

Also attending will be Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central and Shadow Minister for Innovation, Science & Digital Infrastructure.

Steve Brambley, deputy director of GAMBICA, explains that it's all about automation users and manufacturers teaming up with politicians and civil servants to demonstrate that the economy can be rebalanced by manufacturing – but only with automation playing a major part.

The conference will also explore obstacles that discourage industry from making more of this type of investment, and will end with a panel discussion 'Investment in automation: What are the drivers to encourage uptake?', chaired by Keith Hodgkinson, head of electronics, materials, chemicals and product regulation at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

"Investment in automation is crucial, if our manufacturing industry is to retain its place in the competitive global market and grow in the future, bringing desperately needed new jobs," comments Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge.

"These are extremely difficult economic times, but by embracing new technology we equip our manufacturing industry with the most up-to-date tools it needs to keep a competitive edge," he continues.

"And, of course, this industry's success is vital for the UK economy as a whole, not only producing the goods we need at home but holding our strong position in the extremely important international export market."

Her view: for this technology to be successful in Britain, it is important that there is a continued supply of motivated and well educated young people to continue the trade. She wants graduate and apprenticeship schemes to make that happen.

To attend Automated Britain go to Intellect's website and click book now. GAMBICA and Intellect members and invited guests will pay a special rate of only £245 to attend.